Singapore, February 16, 2011 - United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) ("UMC" or "The Company"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced that its Singapore branch was awarded "Premium" band status, the highest of five bands (Basic, Standard, Intermediate, Enhanced, and Premium) under Singapore's new integrated assessment framework TradeFirst.

The Premium band status grants UMC Singapore a 3-year Strategic Trade Scheme (STS) Tier 3 permit and Secure Trade Partnership (STP) status. The STS Tier 3 permit enables UMC Singapore to ship designated strategic goods to a broad range of destinations without the need for Singapore Customs approval for each shipment, accelerating transport time to customers. Meanwhile, STP-certified companies enjoy the benefits of reduced cargo inspection and expedited customs clearance under various Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) between Singapore's government and overseas customs administrations, as well as automatic recognition as known consignors (KC) under the Regulated Air-Cargo Agent Regime (RCAR). Ultimately, the Premium band status enhances UMC's corporate image and reputation as a reliable, low-risk trade partner in terms of security controls and business practices.

"UMC Singapore is proud to be the first foundry in Singapore to be honored with placement in the 'Premium' band under the new framework," said Po-Wen Yen, Senior Vice President at UMC Singapore. "With the flexibility that this status affords us, UMC will be able to deliver advanced solutions even more rapidly and reliably to enable customers to respond to the intense demand for speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness in today's fast-paced business environment."

UMC Singapore, located in Singapore's Pasir Ris Wafer Park, is home to Fab 12i, UMC's second 300-mm fab. Established in 2004, Fab12i specializes in advanced processes and is currently in volume production down to 65/55nm processes at a capacity of 43,000 wafers per month, with annual capacity to exceed 500,000 wafers in 2011.

UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that provides advanced technology and manufacturing services for applications spanning every major sector of the IC industry. UMC's customer-driven foundry solutions allow chip designers to leverage the strength of the company's leading-edge processes, which include production proven 65nm, 45/40nm, mixed signal/RFCMOS, and a wide range of specialty technologies. Production is supported through 10 wafer manufacturing facilities that include two advanced 300mm fabs; Fab 12A in Taiwan and Singapore-based Fab 12i are both in volume production for a variety of customer products. The company employs over 13,000 people worldwide and has offices in Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. UMC can be found on the web at http://www.umc.com.